When ethnic fabrications, dashikis, and headwraps first appeared on the fashion scene a few years ago, many people thought that they were merely fads that would last a season or two. But what has emerged is an expanding influence into the broader fashion industry, an industry that has been reluctant to embrace African features as beauty symbols and, in the not-so-distant past, shunned “ethnic” attire and labeled it as an expression of racial militancy.

But now, that same industry sees dollar signs, signs that signal profits to be raked in from people craving more and more African-influenced styles and fabrics. A large portion of that demand comes from African-American students.Hoards of African-American collegians all over the country are reaching back to embrace their heritage. They are not only studying their history, to get a deeper sense of self and a truer understanding of African contributions to the world, but they are also expressing their knowledge by wearing fashionable attire inspired from “home”–Africa.

African-American designer Andrea Morgan said she has noticed a definite ethnocentric movement on college campuses, as many diverse groups try to assert themselves culturally.

“A lot of the younger Blacks are really into their heritage and where they come from,” said Morgan, who’s been designing since 1978. “And they’re not satisfied with the fashions that they’re given by society as a whole. Out of frustration, they lean toward the diverse Afrocentric types of looks–because they want to go back to their roots.

Morgan’s unique designs start at $60 in the Boutique Meiling Technique in Los Angeles.

“I have always liked a different type of look,” said Morgan. “I’ve always liked the Afrocentric look, but I wanted to see different colors.”

Morgan said wearing your culture is only one step toward success.

“Stay positive and achieve whatever goals you want to accomplish in life–through perseverance and diligence,” she said. “Always strive for excellence and believe in yourself.”